Caribbean & American Business Connections: July 2011 Event

As we arrived at the lovely Sutton Hall Event Facility, conveniently located on Sutton Drive in the heart of Douglasville, Georgia, a bustling suburb just twenty minutes from downtown Atlanta, we knew it would be an evening to remember, and it surely was. The sign on the marquee made it perfectly clear that the facility was reserved for CABC, one of the fastest growing networking organizations in metro Atlanta. Caribbean & American Business Connections (CABC), a networking organization that helps business people establish local and global connections, held their monthly business mixer in Douglasville for the first time. The Founder and President of CABC is the always upbeat and energetic Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly. (pictured above) Sebrena’s goal is to create a worldwide forum that will focus on business, education and employment opportunities. Her mission is to help people rediscover their entrepreneurial roots and encourage them to promote and support one another.

The event started right at 6:00pm and ended promptly at 9:00pm. People arrivedwith high hopes of making great business connections and doing a little networking with many of the businesses that had vendor tables on display. Around 6:30pm, real estate consultant Wanda Hollis with Keller Williams Realty, introduced Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly from the stage. Sebrena thanked everyone for coming out to her event.

At about 7:15pm, the two ‘Business Spotlight’ featured speakers were introduced. First, to take the stage was Corey Moore, President of Fortune Financial Group, who spoke very enthusiastically and convincingly about how to transition from 9-5 to working for yourself full-time. Next on the program was the owner of HSW Consulting Group, Carina Harrell, who gave an inspired and informative presentation about social media and how it can impact your business.

At People You Need to Know Magazine, once again, we were proud to be a media sponsor and vendor at such a wonderful event. As a new client of People You Need to Know Magazine, Atlanta’s #1 magazine showcasing women business owners, Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly always makes us feel welcomed at every one of her outstanding events.

On October 7, 2011, Sebrena will receive the Superstar Bridge-Builder and Networker Award at the upcoming 2nd Annual People You Need to Know Magazine Business Superstars’ Awards Breakfast where we will be “Celebrating the Brilliance of metro Atlanta Women in Business.” She will be honored for her tireless work in bridging the gap between the Caribbean and American business owners/professionals in metro Atlanta.

Sebrena told us that none of this could be possible without the endearing support of her sponsors. She wanted to thank the following organizations: Tonza Collins, Creative Caterer with Tastee Pleasures, offering gourmet catering for all your special occasions; Caribbean Focus TV; Wanda Hollis, real estate consultant with Keller Williams Realty; My True Biz Small Business Services; HSW Consulting Group and Rock Networking Unlimited, Inc.

At People You Need to Know Magazine, we are always on the lookout for new women business owners to showcase in our publication. We were honored to sign-up Ms. Jaunta J. Rudison, CEO, of Rudison’s Enterprises, (pictured left) a woman who is truly dedicated to taking her clients’ businesses to the next level. Her organization offers business consulting and development, grants, business plans and commercial loan assistance. It is our pleasure to welcome her to the People You Need to Know Magazine network.

We would like to give a very special thanks to the very kind and generous Ms. Felicia Bryant, who is with Blessings Unlimited and is also a Joy of Connecting franchisee. Felicia, you were a very big help to us and we will always appreciate your thoughtfulness. Tina Greer, independent representative with 1Voice Worldwide, thanks for telling us about all of the great things your organization is doing for the community, from offering skincare products to affordable health coverage. Jocelyn Hall, certified event planner, thanks for stopping by our display table to introduce yourself and to find out more about our magazine. David Hayden, independent distributor with SendOutCards, thanks for coming by our table to say hello and reminding us where we met you earlier this year. Ms. Fran Dion, (pictured left) with Lady by Fran Dion Salon/Boutique, was an absolute pleasure to meet at the event and she was so kind to pose for a few pictures in front of the giant People You Need to Know Magazine poster. Ms. Dion, you surely let your attitude define who you are. Thanks for your help!

Many thanks to the following people and organizations for supporting Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly on her mission to help people establish global connections right here in metro Atlanta:

Jill Miller– Jill Miller Fitness Studio

Leala Cobb– Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

David and Kennie Robertson– Body By Vi

Irene Jean-Brice– Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry

Trevor Van Cooten– Van Cam Inc.

DJ Lorenzo (K2)– The Grown Folks DJ

Stan Mitchell– Branch Manager, Enterprise

Salimah Abdullah-King– Dynamic Mom Enterprises

Angelia Macon– Marketing Consultant, Organo Gold

Kwame Buchanan- CEO, Kwaril Cleaning Services

Alistair Edwards, V.P., – ID Theft Solutions of America

Nataya Cowart- Realtor, Keller Williams Realty

Arlinda M. Robinson– President, PMMP GROUP

Once again, PeopleYou Need to Know Magazine would like to congratulate Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly for doing another incredible job of bringing people together … to do business.

When will another event like this happen? I would like to increase awareness of my blog and the travel and career services provided (e.g. Trinidad Carnival 2012 or 2013, Reggae Sumfest 2012, resume and cover letter writing, etc.).